The Porsche 914 Transformation: British Restomod Wizards Make Magic Happen
There's nothing quite as disheartening as a sports car that simply underwhelms, and for years the Porsche 914 has been labelled as just that. Known as the black sheep of the Porsche family, the 914's performance often drew comparisons with the old-school Beetle, thanks to its shared air-cooled engine. Even the specialized Porsche-engined 914/7 variant failed to lift it into the realm of performance legends. However, under its modest exterior, the 914 holds untapped potential for greatness.
Enter Fifteen Eleven Designs, a restomod shop from Bakewell in Derbyshire, England, with over 40 years of combined experience. Their portfolio spans everything from Morris Minors to vintage Maseratis, Ford Escorts to classic Formula One cars. In other words, if it was built in Europe within the last 70 years, Fifteen Eleven has probably worked on it. This expertise makes them the perfect candidates to elevate the Porsche 914 into something truly extraordinary.
From Drab to Fab: The Transformation Process
The first order of business for Fifteen Eleven was to strip a standard 914 chassis of all its original drivetrain, interior trim pieces, and suspension components. The empty engine bay was then graced with a 3.8-liter Porsche flat-six engine from a late 2000s 987.2-series Cayman S, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This transformation took the 914 from a meek performer to a powerhouse, boasting three to four times the original horsepower.
Equipped with forged pistons, steel connecting rods, and managed by a Life Racing ECU, this reimagined 914 is nothing short of a mechanical marvel. But power alone isn't enough; performance hinges on more than just a robust engine. Hence, the restomod includes three-way adjustable coilovers, 987.2 Cayman-spec suspension components, and a rear limited-slip differential. Adding Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires ensures this car is ready for any twisty canyon road or aggressive lap time at the track.
The Devil's in the Details: Elegance Meets Performance
While the mechanical upgrades are impressive, it's the finishing touches that truly make this restomod 914 a spectacle. Fifteen Eleven Designs equipped the car with tasteful LED front headlights, fog lights, and striking Fuchs 18-inch wheels. The exterior alterations ensure that the car looks as powerful as it has become underneath.
The interior of this restomod is equally stunning. Beautifully stitched leather and Alcantara cover every surface, giving the cabin a luxurious feel that the original 914 never knew. A wooden shift knob adds a touch of classic elegance, blending seamlessly with the modern enhancements.
All these upgrades come at a price, though. Commissioning such a transformation doesn't come cheap; you might be looking at spending around a quarter million dollars. However, when you consider the level of detail, craftsmanship, and sheer performance that Fifteen Eleven Designs brings to the table, it's a worthwhile investment for any discerning automotive enthusiast.
So, the next time you think of the Porsche 914 as the underdog of the sports car world, remember that with the right expertise and vision, even the most underestimated cars can become legends. And if you're in doubt, just take a drive in Fifteen Eleven's creation – your doubts will vanish with the first turn of the wheel.